Philippine sports officials on Sunday slammed the decision of NBA to disallow Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson from joining the Philippine team for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

In a statement, Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary General Pato Gregorio said the NBA "broke the hearts" of Filipinos with their decision.

"We were one clearance away from a dear friend of the Filipino people, the NBA. Or so we thought," Gregorio said in a message. "I am at a loss for words. All I can say is NBA, you broke our hearts." he added.

Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chair Al Panlilo said the rule on allowing NBA players to join the Asiad should be consistent. "But knowing our team with Coach Yeng, we will fight and play hard," he added.

2018 Asian Games mission chief Richard Gomez, on the other hand, plans to stop watching the NBA because of the decision. "Without Jordan Clarkson, we will continue to fight in the Asian Games but from now on I will stop watching the NBA."